The first episode of The Light Side, a lighting design podcast, is now available for download. Each month host Luke Stratton will sit down with various lighting designers, directors, and programmers from the live music industry to find out what makes them tick, what tools they use to get the job done, and what life is like on the road.

The first episode features Umphrey’s McGee lighting designer and director, Jefferson Waful. Topics include preparation and design, equipment, console layout, and Waful’s journey into the world of lighting design. The Light Side podcast will feature a different guest each month. Upcoming guests include Greg “The Laser Shark” Ellis of Pretty Lights, Saxton Waller of ROY G BIV Light and Show Design (STS9), and Michael Smalley of Twin Designs (Bassnectar, Pitbull).

Luke Stratton is the lighting designer and front-of-house audio engineer for the Northeastern jam-rock quartet Dopapod. The group is currently on tour and will ring in the New Year with a two night run at the Madison Theater in Covington, KY.